GayTV Recap: Chicago Fire (Episode 10x4)

Episode 4 of the tenth season of Chicago Fire caught up on the romantic life of firefighter Darren Ritter (played by Daniel Kyri), continuing his personal story last explored in Season 9. Darren began the episode at the fire house where he was joined by his best pal Blake (played by Alberto Rosende), who was excited to share the news of a new beer concoction he had been working on. It wasn't long before he noticed Darren's mood wasn't very receptive to good news. 

Blake asked what was going on with Darren and this led Darren to reveal that he has been having relationship problems with his boyfriend Eric. He talked about how things seemed to be getting stale recently. Blake suggested that what the couple needed was time out in public, not to be cooped up together at home all the time, like they have been the last year. He urged Darren to take advantage of the nightlife with Eric. Darren mockingly revealed that Blake had actually provided some good relationship advice. 

Later, Darren took Eric (played by Curtis Edward Jackson) to the local bar, owned by his mentor, and fellow firefighter, Herrman. Several of his other colleagues were also present, as Darren & Eric sat at a table by themselves. It wasn't long before Eric turned the conversation to Darren's long hours at work. He told Eric that he had to stay on top of his game for his job. This led to a bit of bickering, until Darren stopped them, saying that they always argue about not spending time together and now that they are spending time together, they're still arguing about the same thing. He said it was really stupid, and Eric agreed. 

The couple decided that they would enjoy their night out together. This led to them sharing a kiss at the table. Darren then volunteered to go get them fresh drinks. He left Eric behind and immediately noticed a man sitting at the bar staring at him. The man then remarked that he thought this was a firefighter bar. He sarcastically asked when it became a gay club, immediately getting the attention of Darren and his fireman colleagues who were seated at the other side of the bar.

Darren asked if there was a problem, leading the man to stand up. This led to the other firefighters jumping to Darren's defense, and Eric joining him at his side. Herrmann informed the man that he sounded real stupid, leading the drunk man to lash out. Herrmann then ordered him to get out of the bar before he got his butt beat by gays, firefighters, and gay firefighters. The man left embarrassed. Herrmann apologized to Darren, saying that behavior shouldn't be tolerated anywhere, but especially not in his bar. He said the man would be banned.

Later, Darren & Eric were shown leaving the bar. Eric complimented Darren on his firefighter friends, noting that they all seemed like really good people. Darren agreed, as they locked hands and began their walk down the street. Darren soon noticed a car slowly following them. He warned Eric about it before turning to face the car, which stopped in front of them. The drunk man from the bar was behind the wheel. He sarcastically called them ladies, wishing them a good night before throwing a bottle out his window. Darren shielded Eric and the man sped off, only to lose control of the car and crash across the street. 

Darren immediately sprang into action, running towards the car as it caught fire, knowing the man might be hurt. Eric was left shocked as a small explosion appeared at the back of the car, knocking Darren off his feet in the street. Eric rushed over to him, only for Darren to get back up and tell him to get help inside the bar. Eric rushed off back to the bar, as Darren turned back towards the burning car and moved closer to it, determined to help. 

Darren got the passenger door open and climbed inside the car, checking on the man behind the wheel. The man was panicked, trying to get his door open but Darren told him that he needed to come through the passenger side. The man was unable to get his seat belt off, so Darren managed to cut through it, as the other firefighters arrived with fire extinguishers. With Darren's door now closed, the fire began to rise on his side as well until his team got the flames extinguished. Darren kicked open the door and Blake rushed in, helping him pull the man safely from the car. 

Darren & Blake got the man across the street safely, as the fire department was called to get the flames out. Herrmann immediately recognized the man from the bar, showing his anger and disgust that this was him. Darren went to check the man's bloody face, but he jerked himself away from Darren, drawing more ire from the firefighters. Blake wondered if the man was going to thank Darren for saving his life, but the man was silent. Darren said it was fine, as he walked away with Eric. 

Darren was back on duty for his next scene. He was in the fire truck bay at the station when Eric showed up, surprising him. He reminded Eric that he was on-duty until the next morning. Eric said he knew that but he had something to say to him and he didn't think it could wait until tomorrow. Darren frowned, wondering what it was. Eric told him that he was incredible out there, running into danger to save that man. He said he was so impressed and proud of him. This caught Darren off-guard.

Eric then said that seeing how Darren was around his friends, showed him a side of Darren that he never sees. He saw Darren being intense, and all-in. Eric said that he's not like that with them anymore. He said it hadn't been that way for a long time. Darren couldn't help but agree that their relationship wasn't working and he wanted to try to fight to fix it, but that's what they've been doing. Eric agreed it just keeps leading back to this. On the verge of tears, Darren said it was crazy how much it could hurt to do the right thing, signaling their break-up once again.